In commemoration of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has announced and rewarded winners of the second edition of its yearly Short Film Contest on Combating Trafficking in Persons.
 
Announcing the winners at an event supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of France in Abuja, IOM Chief of Mission to Nigeria, Laurent De Boek, explained that the competition, launched last year, is a vehicle for empowering young creative voices in the fight against trafficking in persons.
 
He submitted: “Indeed youths are among those most vulnerable to this crime, so it only makes sense that their voices are put at the centre of our efforts to address it.”

“The winners have demonstrated not only artistic talents, but also social responsibility and awareness.
 
“They have used the power of story-telling to shed light on the dark realities of human trafficking.”
 
Speaking on the power and impact of the narratives, Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, said: “These short films are more than just entertainment, they are beacons of hope shining a light on the realities of trafficking and inspiring hope.
 
“To the film makers, your creativity, passion and dedication have brought powerful voices to the forefront. We are truly inspired by the creativity and commitment shown in your short films.”
 
The over 30 entries were evaluated by a panel of judges comprising officials from NAPTIP, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Civil Society Organidsations (CSOs) and the Nigerian film industry. 
 
The first prize of $2,000 was awarded to Michael Atama for his film, “Misled,” which depicts the harrowing journey of young Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana.
 
The second prize of $1,000 went to Grace Olubiyo for her film, “Ireti” (The Promise), which narrates the ordeal of a family coming to terms with the trafficking of a child while the third prize of a laptop was given to Erica Bale for her film, “Dark Room,” a gripping video that centres on an 18-year-old girl, Chioma, who got entangled in the dangerous world of human trafficking.